Study favors Boardman-owned ambulances

By Denise Dick

Firefighters aren’t looking for more money to provide the service, the union president says.

BOARDMAN — Township-operated ambulances would better serve residents and may produce additional revenue, according to a feasibility study presented to trustees by Fire Chief James Dorman.

“This project will require us all commit to an initial investment in equipment and other financial obligations with the expectation of, at least, an even return on our investment with the hope for a very positive revenue stream for the fire department,” Dorman said at a town hall meeting Monday.

In 2005, 2006 and 2007, private ambulances transported 1,800, 1,772 and 1,817 patients, respectively, to area hospitals from township emergency medical calls.

Also, in 2008, the Howland Fire Department billed 1,600 patients and collected $514,950. Liberty transported 950 patients and collected $207,000, and Beaver transported about 400 patients to area hospitals and saw a profit of more than $100,000, Dorman’s study says.

“We have been advised by third-party billing companies and local fire departments that the average collected per patient is between $325 and $350,” it says.

Township firefighters respond to all medical calls, but even though several firefighters have paramedic certification, they aren’t permitted to provide care beyond the basics. They must wait for a private ambulance to arrive. Those paramedics then administer care and transport patients to the hospital.

Because of a tighter economy, private ambulance companies are cutting back, Dorman said. Firefighters often must wait for paramedic assistance to arrive in a supervisor’s car. Those staffing cuts have resulted in an increase in response times in the township by the ambulances, the chief said.

With a township-run ambulance service, firefighter/paramedics would be able to provide that care when they arrive on scene.

Dorman’s proposal, which includes input and research from the firefighters, calls for hiring a third-party billing company such as those used in other communities with public ambulances.

The insurance companies of those who receive ambulance services would be billed as would Medicare or Medicaid where applicable. Township residents, though, wouldn’t be billed for the amount not covered by insurance.

Nonresidents would.

The proposal calls for one ambulance. It would likely only be able to respond to a maximum of 75 percent of all emergency medical service responses.

If the township were able to collect an average of $325 per patient billed, it would generate about $429,650. Billing fees would likely be about 7.5 percent or $32,000, the study says.

The township would work with another ambulance company or public ambulance to cover the calls to which it can’t respond.

The department includes nine certified paramedics. An additional three firefighters laid off last year have that certification.

“No increase of the department personnel or facilities is required to implement this proposal,” Dorman said in his study.

Harry Wolfe, president of the union representing firefighters, said the members aren’t looking for additional pay for providing ambulance service. The union had proposed a township-run ambulance service last year before the layoff of firefighters and other personnel due to budget restraints.

“It’s not simply about money,” Wolfe said. “It’s a service to residents. We’re not asking for additional money for being paramedics to operate this — which is unheard of in this state. We want to prove that this isn’t about the money.”

Joe Mistovich, a Youngstown State University professor in emergency medical services who also is a township resident, said the idea is long overdue.

Private ambulance companies can leave an area if they determine they’re no longer profitable, he said. Township firefighters already respond to all medical calls. Having a township ambulance would enable them to provide critical care upon their arrival.

Trustees took no action on the proposal Monday.

Larry Moliterno, trustees chairman, said he wants to review the study more closely but said if it will provide better service to residents without additional cost, he doesn’t see a reason not to do it.